We are pleased and honored to announce that McKenzie Scott has made a $2 million donation to MLICCI in recognition of the organization’s 25 years of work on behalf of Mississippi’s low-income working single mom families. MLICCI has a long track record of advocating for improvements in Mississippi’s child care assistance program to make it […]
Working hard is often not enough for so many
Being poor is not a choice, but the majority of the country still seems to believe it is. Other ideas, equally incorrect, also prevail and, too often, influence policy, such as cash assistance for the poor being a disincentive to work. The reality is that even full-time employment is not enough to escape from poverty […]
TANF is currently not working for Mississippi’s Poorest Families, but here’s how it could
After a Scandal and the Failure of TANF as a Safety Net Before and During the Pandemic, Major Reforms are Needed to Turn the Tide. MLICCI Report Reviews 25 Years of TANF. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, is a federal block grant that awards Mississippi nearly $100 million/per year in federal funds intended […]
MLICCI Responds to State Auditor’s Report on Fatherlessness
Recently, State Auditor Shad White released a report about the cost of fatherlessness to taxpayers. Certainly, fathers should take responsibility for their children. But we should focus on moms who do take responsibility for their children. Helping moms earn enough to support their children benefits everyone, including Mississippi taxpayers. Half of Mississippi’s children live with […]
Children in poverty down by 59-percent, but there’s more to this story.
There are 59-percent fewer children living in poverty in the U.S. today than there were in 1993. One may think this is due to rising wages and a generally stronger economy. The reality is that economic factors account for only 33-percent of this historic decline. Higher rates of employment and increased state minimum wages have […]
Free COVID-19 Testing Kits for Centers
Providers can receive COVID home testing kits from the Mississippi Department of Health at no cost. The Health Department wants to get these kits in the hands of those who can use them as the kits have an expiration date. Providers can also give them to parents. MLICCI can help you facilitate the request. Send […]
Avila new member of Child Care Advisory Council
In a letter dated July 13, 2022, the Mississippi State Board of Health confirmed that MLICCI Child Care Leadership Team Director Roberta Avila had been appointed as a representative to the Mississippi State Department of Health Child Care Advisory Council. Roberta’s term on the Council runs through June 30, 2025. Roberta stated that in her […]